Physician and Pharmaceutical Industry Relationships
June 22, 2010
According to a national survey of doctors published in <i>The New England Journal of Medicine</i>, 94% of physicians have "a relationship" with the pharmaceutical, medical device or related industries. A research firm recently estimated that drug companies spend over $20 billion annually marketing directly to physicians. With statistics like these, it is not surprising that the public is becoming concerned that these ties may influence how medications are developed, marketed and prescribed.
Electronic Visitation in Illinois
June 22, 2010
The form that visitation takes has evolved to include what is now being referred to as "virtual visitation": the use of electronic mail, instant messaging, video conferencing and other wireless technology to allow non-custodial parents to maintain more frequent contact with their children.
Hiring a Web Site Developer: Top 10 Tips
June 21, 2010
Whether your firm is redesigning its existing Web site or creating its first site, hiring a developer can be an expensive and time-consuming undertaking. To make your redesign/development experience rewarding and to avoid misunderstandings, outline the scope of your project before obtaining proposals from Web site design firms.
Conducting an Effective and Preventative Compensation Review
June 21, 2010
With the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the EEOC's and OFCCP's increased focus on compensation discrimination, and the government's increased budget for these agencies, compensation decisions are destined to come under increased scrutiny from employees, their attorneys and the government.
Do-It-Yourself Lateral Hiring
June 21, 2010
Many firms believe that adding laterals is the easiest and least risky means to law firm growth. However, the reality is that many laterals (more than half in some firms) never achieve their promise or objectives in terms of bringing clients and revenue to the firm.
Is Your Firm a Next-Generation Laggard?
June 21, 2010
The talent crunch when the economy turns up and firms are hiring again will be magnified because so many Boomers are approaching the age when they will "retire" from current positions ' voluntarily or involuntarily. Will there be enough people trained, experienced and ready to capably step into their shoes? How will the Boomers who want to stay be productively employed for mutual benefit?
To Provide Health Insurance or Not? That Is the Question
June 21, 2010
The new healthcare bill will require employers to make a major decision: should they provide employees with "sufficient" healthcare coverage, or should they just pay the penalties? The decision will require a serious cost-benefit analysis.
Telecommuting and the Virtual Workplace
June 21, 2010
The virtual workplace and telecommuting arrangements create a number of potential pitfalls for employers that do not follow the "traditional" workplace model. When employers have employees who do not "power off" and leave work at work, there are a number of important issues they must consider to manage the virtual workplace.
Beware the Probationary Employment Period
June 21, 2010
Employers often labor under the misconception that they can discipline or terminate a probationary employee during the "probationary period" with no legal risk. This, however, is not the case.
Conducting an Effective and Preventative Compensation Review
June 21, 2010
With the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the EEOC's and OFCCP's increased focus on compensation discrimination, and the government's increased budget for these agencies, compensation decisions are destined to come under increased scrutiny from employees, their attorneys and the government.
